Boston nearly ended the game in the 10th when Adrian Gonzalez hit a ball to deep left field that fell just inches outside fair territory. Then the Red Sox loaded the bases in the top of the 11th inning with no outs, and they still couldn't get a run across.

By the 15th inning the Red Sox had left 15 men on base, to the Rays' four. Just three hits for each team. With all the men they put on base, it was hard to believe the Red Sox had yet to score a run; I think it was Valentine who quipped, "The Rays, meanwhile, get a runner every couple hours."

In the top of the 16th, at 12:42 a.m., Dustin Pedroia, who'd been great all night with three hits and a couple defensive gems at second base, drove in the winning run.

The Red Sox bullpen held on for the win. And I could finally go to bed, knowing I would pay for it in the morning.